By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to rebound after losing to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. They faced a hungry Minnesota Timberwolves squad who was also looking to bounce back from a loss. Unfortunately for Philly a last minute turnover would ultimately sink them, as they lost to the Timberwolves 121-120.

It did not look good early on for Philly as they played like a team that spent the last two weeks playing on West Coast time. They looked lethargic and out of sink on both sides of the ball. Minnesota took full advantage as they were able to use their youth to run Philly off the court. Karl Anthony-Townes dominated the Sixers in the early going. He could not miss a shot and scored 17 of his 28-points by half-time. It did not matter who Philly put on him, he made them pay for daring to give him space to put up a shot. His scoring allowed Minnesota to have a 15-point lead by half-time.

Despite KAT’s offensive explosion, Philly weathered the early storm as they turned up the defensive pressure and forced Minnesota into some mistakes. This led to an offensive explosion from Philly who were able to retake the lead late in the fourth quarter.  They were powered by a returning Joel Embiid who scored 42-points and grabbed 14-rebounds. Even though he looked gassed during this game. He was there when his team needed him in the second half and in both overtime periods. He hit two late shots that put Philly up three-points.  Only for the lead to evaporate after a late-game turnover that led to a clutch lay-up for Minnesota.

That was the biggest difference in this game the Timberwolves outexecuted the Sixers. Philly will need to find some answers and get some rest as they prepare for the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Another team with youthful guards who are deadly from the perimeter. Philly will need to have an impressive night on both sides of the ball if they want to get their 11^th win of the season.